Timeless Journeys

by Kimberly “Sage” Pridemore

Welcome to Infinity Magazine’s exciting adventure feature, “Timeless Journeys with Sage.” Sage has been with the Infinity team for several years, her wisdom, knowledge and experience makes her a perfect fit as Infinity’s Travel Editor for this

special feature. Each issue will be a wonderful adventure with Sage as she travels to amazing destinations. Sage will share her travels with helpful tips, interesting facts about her fun filled and relaxing get-aways!

I am thrilled to share what I consider to be my home away from home in Texas. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge is one of the blessings I received during COVID. As a travel editor, this period of course effected my ability to travel. Fortunately, as a creative being, I found ways to work with the flow of energy and found alternative adventures.

I have always had a passion for horses and for riding. I spent years as a child on a horse, exploring the hills of Eastern Washington. For me, the energy of connecting with these animals has always been healing. While in Cincinnati, I had the pleasure to partner with Michelle Griffin and her horses to cofacilitate an empowering workshop that was truly life changing. When I moved to Texas, I knew I’d find a way to rekindle my love affair with horses.

Ray and I were long overdue for a getaway, so I took it upon myself to find us somewhere in Texas where we could lodge and also ride horses. I knew I wanted more than just trail rides; I wanted to begin riding again and

taking lessons. And it had to be the right facilitator as well, in order to work with me mind, body and spirit. I seriously just Googled horseback riding in Texas Hill Country and this wonderful place was the first thing to show up. It took me all of two minutes to book a stay in one of their cabins for a week and set up lessons and trail riding. Our first of many stays was in summer of 2020. Little did I know it, but I would be staying somewhere that felt like being back in the hills of Ellensburg, Washington where I grew up, and give me another opportunity for healing.

Nestled in an oak-studded valley, and encircled by the rugged hills west of Bandera, Texas, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers a new perspective on the traditional guest ranch. It’s not a dude ranch! The best thing about it is that it is super laid back. If you want a trail ride, great. If you want a lesson, great. If you want to get cozy in the corner nook in the cabin and read a book and nap, great! You get my drift. There is plenty to do, for riders and non-riders alike. The lodge’s location adjoins the 5500-acre Hill Country State Natural Area and gives guests walkin access to its 40+ miles of trails for riding, hiking, cycling, birding, and viewing of the parks’ abundant wildlife and diverse native plants.

The drive from Lake Buchanan is about two hours and it is a beautiful scenic ride through Hill Country. The moment we arrived at the Ranch and pulled up to the century-old ranch house, I was transformed. The minute I met Dianne (the owner/host) I knew we would be friends for life and that she would be a fabulous and no-nonsense teacher for my lessons. Dianne Tobin and Peter Lovett are the owners and hosts of HCEL. I cannot say enough about how they make you feel like family the moment you arrive.

The cabins are adorable and are built in historic early Texas architectural style. Each cabin has a full kitchen, rear deck and spacious front porch. Our cabin had a limestone fireplace that stretched from the hard-wood floor to the peak of the 21-foot cathedral ceiling. The cabin was stocked with a basket of fruit and muffins, breakfast foods, coffee, tea and snacks.

We arrived around 3 pm, got ourselves settled into our cabin and took advantage of the swimming pool since it was a hot summer day. The pool is a great addition to the ranch. We enjoyed it every day of our stay. One of the things that I love about the ranch is having the ability to completely decompress. There is no WIFI or cell service in the cabin. My time there was a blend of trail rides, lessons, star gazing, taking long walks and catching up on some romantic novels. Ray and I enjoyed the use of the grille and had many dinners by starlight. Our nights were made up games of Scrabble and conversations about life and where we will travel once things return to “normal”

The ranch is situated about ten miles out of the Bandera Texas “Cowboy Capital of the World” It is a fabulous little town that we spent quite a bit of our time exploring. Bandera’s title originated when it became a staging area for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800’s. Confirming Bandera as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” is a bronze monument which honors the many National Rodeo Champions who call Bandera home, and stands on the Courthouse lawn. Main Street is filled with shops housing antiques, jewelry, western wear, artwork and unique Texas gifts.

Bandera is known for a fabulous live music scene. The 11th Street Cowboy Bar has been called the “biggest little bar in Texas.” You can’t leave town without going in to visit with the locals and enjoy an ice-cold Lone Star beer. They have tons of events, including live country music, steak nights and they even host the Cowboy Mardi Gras celebration each year. It is one of our favorite places.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner at a gem of a restaurant in Pipe Creek, Texas which is about a 30 minute drive from the ranch. The Backyard Bistro is an awardwinning restaurant that serves a farm to table menu. Great place! Excellent food. The restaurant is in a historic house with fun decor and both indoor and outdoor eating areas. We started with shrimp corndogs served with sweet mango Thai chili dipping sauce as an appetizer. I enjoyed the flounder stuffed with crab

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